CITY OF BERKELEY CELEBRATES THE 23RD ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUTTuesday, August 1st

Berkeley, California (Monday, July 31, 2006) - On Tuesday, August 1st, Berkeley residents, the Police, Fire and staff from other City Departments will celebrate the 23rd Annual National Night Out. This is part of a nationwide effort to help communities build relationships with their local public safety departments and raise awareness about crime and drug prevention. National Night Out is also commemorated by a display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, which symbolize a community's effort to reclaim the night from criminal activity.

Residents have organized a number of neighborhood events including block parties, cookouts, bar-b-cues, and ice cream socials. National Night Out attendees will have the opportunity to connect with their neighbors and network with city employees. These gatherings help to improve and maintain Berkeley's high quality of life standards. Attendees also send a message to would-be criminals that their neighborhoods are organized and well equipped to address potential criminal activity. Neighborhood events will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. and end at approximately 9:00 p.m.